6-Megapixel Digital Camera with...DMC-LZ5K

Features

6x Optical Zoom in a Compact CameraThe DMC-LZ5 combines a compact, easy-to-carry size with a powerful 6x optical zoom lens - equivalent to a 37 to 222mm lens on a 35mm camera - for dynamic closeups or great shots from a distance. The Extended Optical Zoom function, which magnifies the image with minimal deterioration by using the center part of the high-resolution CCD, boosts the zoom power to 8.3x1 in 3-megapixel images.

1x Optical Zoom

6x Optical Zoom

8.3x Extended Optical Zoom

Taking Hand Movement Out of the Picture with MEGA Optical Image StabilizationAll of us have taken a shot that we thought was focused perfectly, only to have it turn out blurry. The most common cause of this is hand movement. Digital cameras are wonderfully light and compact -- but for the same reason they can also be hard to hold still. Even pressing the shutter button can cause the camera to move. And most people use the LCD monitor (with arms outstretched)to frame a shot -- great for getting the shot you want, but most likely adds to the likelihood of hand movement. Basically, hand movement is a real concern anytime you're taking a handheld telephoto shot, macro shot or self-portrait, or when shooting at night or in dim lighting.

Optical Image Stabilzation OFF

Optical Image Stabilzation ON

The answer to the hand movement problem? An advanced optical image stabilizing system that we call MEGA Optical Image Stabilization. This system uses built-in gyrosensors to detect even tiny camera movement and then shifts a lens in the opposite direction to compensate. The system is completely optical -- it does not affect the CCD or image processing so you get sharp, clear images with minimal degradation. It lets you reduce the shutter speed more than 3 steps below2 the conventionally accepted hand movement limit, which is calculated as 1/focal length (1 divided by the focal length). It greatly expands what you can do with a handheld digital camera.

High Sensitivity Mode Helps Reduce Motion BlurWhen there's not a lot of light or you're using a slow shutter speed, hand movement isn't the only potential problem. There's also "motion blur" -- the blurring that can result if your subject like children or pets move even a little in low lighting. That's why we added a High Sensitivity mode3 that allows you to shoot at up to ISO 1600 by using the pixel-mixed readout method, effectively raising the shutter speed. It not only minimizes motion blur, italso lets you take clearer, sharper shots in dim lighting without using a flash. The picture quality is good enough for printing at the ordinary 4" x 6" (10 x 15 cm) size.

High Sensitivity Mode OFF

High Sensitivity Mode ON

Widescreen 16:9 Mode for Panoramic ImagesThis wonderful feature lets you shoot images in widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio), so that you can achieve bold, panoramic images that are perfect for dramatic, wide prints. Plus, you can view photos as full screen images on your widescreen TV.

Large, Easy-to-See 2.5" Diagonal LCD with High Angle ModeThe 2.5" diagonal LCD is clear, bright and easy to see even in low lighting by using the pixel-mixed readout method. It lets you frame shots more comfortably. And when you're finished shooting, the big, bright display lets you enjoy functions like the 25-thumbnail display. The DMC-LZ5 also has the world's first4 developed High Angle shooting function, which makes it easier to see the monitor when you're holding the camera high to shoot over a crowd.

Quick, Accurate Auto FocusChoose from five auto focus modes: 1-point, 3-point high-speed, 5-point, spot AF, and 1-point high-speed AF with focusing speed reduced by 40% from the previous model. And the AF Assist Lamp helps in dimly lit places. Thanks to the high-performance Venus Engine 153; Plus, you enjoy a fast camera response with a release time lag as low as 0.005 seconds5. You can shoot quickly, easily and accurately every time.

MEGA BURST 174; Consecutive ShootingSnap off up to 8 consecutive shots at a swift 3 frames per second in Standard mode. And with Unlimited Consecutive Shooting6, you can keep shooting until the SD Memory Card or built-in memory is full.

Extended Shooting from Two AA Batteries

The DMC-LZ5 can be powered by twoordinary AA batteries, which you can buy just about anywhere. Using the Oxyride7 batteries that come with the camera, you can take up to 2358 shots.

Built-In Memory -- Take Pictures without an SD Memory CardTake photos even when you don't have an SD Memory Card on hand. The built-in memory holds up to 14MB9 of image data, which you can later copy onto an SD Memory Card or PC. You can also copy images from a memory card or PC to the built-in memory, and view them on the LCD anytime you like.

Varies depending on the selected image size and aspect ratio.

Varies with shooting conditions.

When using High Sensitivity mode, resolution significantly decreases.

As of January 4th, 2006.

Not including auto-focusing time.

The consecutive shooting speed varies depending on the memory card or the built-in memory.

To ensure accurate power level readings, you must switch the battery mode on the camera to "Oxyride" when using Oxyride 153; batteries.

Panasonic Community - Join our Community and participate in Discussions where you can learn more about our Products. You will also be able to get advice from other members and Product Experts, as well as documents, FAQ’s, tutorials, and updates.

Live Chat - Chat with a representative from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday and 10am-7pm Saturday/Sunday EST.

Service Locator - Locate the closest Authorized repair center to you for TVs, Microwaves, Vacuums, or Massage Chairs.

Service Request - If you need a product repaired and is NOT a TV, Microwave, Vacuum, or Massage Chair, you can use our Online Repair Request. There, you will be able to get a repair estimate, pay online, and track the repair status.

I am a professional photographer who is seriously considering switching to the Lumix mirrorless cameras. Does Panasonic have, or can you suggest, a web site that demonstrates how professional photographers are successfully using the Lumix professional cameras?

In conjunction with our Panasonic.com web site, our Sales and Marketing team also runs LUMIXLOUNGE.COM This site features work from Panasonic’s Luminary team of professional photographers who have migrated to the Lumx mirrorless cameras. The site also features schedules to live on-line and dealer events as well as convenient links to our latest firmware updates. Additional features to expand the site are already in progress.

Have more questions concerning your Panasonic camera?

Click here to visit the Panasonic Community to search for specific FAQs or tutorials for your product or ask questions directly to Panasonic or other customers.